1 of 5 · Reformation Sunday
The Gospel: John 8:31–36
Jesus tells those who believe in him that the truth will make them free, and that the Son sets people free indeed.
Five short cards. Swipe, or use Back and Next.
2 of 5 · Reformation Sunday
Why this Sunday
On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther published the Ninety-Five Theses in Wittenberg. Lutherans remember it on the last Sunday of October, not to celebrate a split in the church, but to give thanks that the Gospel was heard clearly again: God makes us right with him as a gift, by grace, through faith.
Some congregations keep the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost instead. Its readings are below the cards.
Take this with you
What would it mean for you to be free indeed, not because of anything you did?
3 of 5 · Hear it
John 8:31–36
The passage
31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. 35 A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 36 If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
4 of 5 · The other readings
Read before the Gospel
- Jeremiah 31:31–34The LORD promises a new covenant, written on the heart, and says he will forgive and remember sin no more.
- Psalm 46God is our refuge and strength: the psalm Luther turned into “A Mighty Fortress”.
- Romans 3:19–28Paul says all have sinned, and all are made right with God as a gift, by grace, through faith in Christ.
Read them here
Jeremiah 31:31–34
First reading
31 “Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which covenant of mine they broke, although I was a husband to them,” says the LORD. 33 “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the LORD: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and I will write it in their heart. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 They will no longer each teach his neighbor, and every man teach his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD;’ for they will all know me, from their least to their greatest,” says the LORD: “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Psalm 46
Psalm
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; 3 though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. 4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. 5 God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. 6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice and the earth melted. 7 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come, see the LORD’s works, what desolations he has made in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Romans 3:19–28
Second reading
19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. 20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; 26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
5 of 5 · On Sunday
What you will do
Many churches sing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, Luther’s hymn on Psalm 46, and the altar is dressed in red. The hymn, with its number.
- Many services begin by confessing together, out loud, and hearing that you are forgiven.
- Hear these readings. Most people stand for the Gospel.
- A sermon on them, then the Creed, prayers and the peace.
- Communion, for all baptized Christians. What it is.
Take this into Sunday